Overmolded plastic-metal motor vehicle front body panel

Abstract

A motor vehicle front body panel includes at least one rigid cross-member that extends between two support pieces. The rigid cross-member is preferably made of metal, and the support pieces are preferably molded of plastic. The plastic support pieces may be molded around the ends of the cross-member and may be capable of accomodating other parts of the vehicle, such as headlights. In an alternate embodiment, the vehicle front body panel may include a second rigid cross-member that is also attached to the two support pieces.

We claim: 
     
       1. A motor vehicle front body panel, comprising: at least two separate support members formed of a plastic material, the support members having a shape that accommodates at least one part of a motor vehicle; and   a rigid cross-member that extends between the at least two support members, wherein respective ones of the at least two support members are overmolded onto opposite ends of the cross-member.   
     
     
       2. The motor vehicle front body panel according to claim 1, wherein a central portion of the cross-member has a fastener for accommodating a safety hook of a hood of the motor vehicle. 
     
     
       3. The motor vehicle front body panel according to claim 2, wherein the fastener is formed of plastic overmolded onto the cross-member. 
     
     
       4. The motor vehicle front body panel according to claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises a bead on the cross-member. 
     
     
       5. The motor vehicle front body panel according to claim 1, further comprising a second rigid cross-member, wherein opposite ends of the second rigid cross member are attached to respective ones of the at least two support members. 
     
     
       6. The motor vehicle front body panel according to claim 5, wherein respective ones of the at least two support members are overmolded onto opposite ends of the second rigid cross-member.